Tag: bd-live

  • Onkyo Launches Home Theater Packages for Blu-ray and HD Video Systems


    Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that it claims deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for HDTV and Blu-ray.

    The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market.

    This includes the option of incorporating front height-channel reproduction with Dolby’s newly introduced ProLogic IIz processing.

    Each package also includes a high performance 7.1-channel speaker system with a powerful active subwoofer, and Onkyo’s exclusive U-Port single-cable iPod dock and charging system.

    The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 are now available at suggested retail prices of USD $899 and $699 each, respectively.

    Onkyo has also introduced a new BD-Live interactive Blu-ray Disc Player, model DV-BD507.

    The player delivers high definition 1080p video playback and high resolution multichannel audio over a HDMI 1.3a.

    The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of USD $449.

  • Panasonic Takes Blu-ray Portable


    Panasonic has unveiled the first portable Blu-ray player at the CES in Las Vegas.

    The DMP-B15 features an 8.9-inch WSVGA display and along with the ability to play Blu-ray discs it also has access (via Ethernet connection to the Internet) to VIERA CAST.

    Fully Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) compliant it also features an SD card.

    The DMP-B15 offers three hours of playback time through a built-in rechargeable battery.

    It can also be connected to an HDTV using an HDMI connection, which means that it could technically be used as a stand-alone player in the home, or even while on the go.

    The DMP-B15 will be available beginning in May 2009, no details yet on the expected cost.

  • Will Iron Man and Dark Knight, Finally, Ignite Blu-ray?


    Iron Man is quickly becoming the highest selling Blu-ray disc yet, with an estimated 20 per cent of all discs of the super-hero movie sold last week being on the high-def format.

    Sales of Blu-ray versions of the blockbuster reportedly represented as much as 50 per cent of total Iron Man disc sales for some online stores.

    Although Paramount Home Entertainment has made no official statement on the sales figures, the movie is expected to exceed one million units sold.

    Until now, Blu-ray versions of popular movies, including I Am Legend, represented about 9 per cent of sales in the format.

    Iron Man’s success undoubtedly owes something to its appeal to comic book, special effects and videogame fans, all who are more likely to have PlayStation 3 consoles, which play back Blu-ray discs.

    But, after what can only be described as a sluggish start, could it also suggest that the format is finally reaching a level of acceptance that will tip it over into the mainstream?

    With the release of the Dark Knight – including a BD-Live version – still to come, the year the format war was decided may actually end on a high note for Blu-ray.